MIT-PDA Weekly Newsletter, November 19, 2017

Sun Nov 19 16:10:34 EST 2017

                      [cid:part7.12E6617A.98139A7A at mit.edu]
Dear MIT postdocs,

A big thank you to Meghan and Sabrina for all their awesome jobs as I am taking officially over as Corresponding Secretrary.

Want to join us? MIT-PDA needs you! Position for Human Affairs Commitee Chair is opened. Election will happen at the next PDA general meeting in December. Contact pda-board at mit.edu<mailto:pda-board at mit.edu> if interested, we are excited to have you join our team!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Cheers
Sarah
------
Dr. Sarah Khanniche
Corresponding Secretary
Postdoctoral Association of MIT (MIT-PDA)

Follow the MIT-PDA on social media!

MIT-PDA
website<https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=8dGRore9CWm7TnVbFCx_eJlXesNxR47cerbow4stRsw_Hq7o4y7VCA..&URL=https%3a%2f%2fowa.exchange.mit.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3dyZfdFkt2uKcAvRWycnAyNUw5LNGbExqhYJz5q8V-QI-UKn5AzC7VCA..%26URL%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fpda.mit.edu>

Facebook<https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=DQQXSLvWi9Yt2av8uE2owe_dA3kQ8Hexciu-2MiBGno_Hq7o4y7VCA..&URL=https%3a%2f%2fowa.exchange.mit.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3dBqokHBeGx9D6WJ0gGn0_ouHvhN6OeMHvMJ0z1SGN-1iUKn5AzC7VCA..%26URL%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.facebook.com%252fgroups%252f44093460815%252f>

Twitter<https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=jaKa8y-4tFCiOMNMMbOYOyXWWFgINKmIR1CN28cguSo_Hq7o4y7VCA..&URL=https%3a%2f%2fowa.exchange.mit.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3d-pQ-Fvb5WViSrQkfmJPd5H2ufn7wakBNBPpNNb7UzCOUKn5AzC7VCA..%26URL%3dhttps%253a%252f%252ftwitter.com%252fMITPDA>

Instagram<https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=gagU-7s_Xo7yRDyV89Q4S9omfGGL1Jx7bA2p6krjtVs_Hq7o4y7VCA..&URL=https%3a%2f%2fowa.exchange.mit.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3dGEtz8pBjE8Sucz0lzQZinTsTL4EknA1_r1GZ-Ix0hSKUKn5AzC7VCA..%26URL%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.instagram.com%252fmitpda%252f>

LinkedIn<https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=CgBCn6XsP8D1DTxyqPGUpHVDaw-ffNlvg58w1hj3RyA_Hq7o4y7VCA..&URL=https%3a%2f%2fowa.exchange.mit.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3dTsiW5DGy5C918faUAWisu9yg0Ha5nKQODD4eH6MUU3eUKn5AzC7VCA..%26URL%3dhttps%253a%252f%252fwww.linkedin.com%252fgroups%252f2506720%252fprofile>

Boston-PDA
website<https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=oPMdasdNEYmmnMlLn7y_371mJ0x3a4NKdzWinUzv1Ro_Hq7o4y7VCA..&URL=https%3a%2f%2fowa.exchange.mit.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3dx-4OUUTN0uv4zi9L702crCSTU7T5aTI7jDPnfF2QFFWUKn5AzC7VCA..%26URL%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fbostonpostdocs.org%252f>

 MIT-PDA MEETING & ORIENTATION SESSIONS

MIT-PDA Meeting

Please join us for our monthly MIT-PDA meeting! Get involved with any of the various committees (e.g., sports, advocacy, committee, community building) and have your voice heard. This is a great opportunity meet your fellow postdocs on campus!

Register<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScO7Iep3rLDtKZ1S_1xXnkamyy29BezQ5tpHTF5evT5gW4KJg/viewform>

Postdoc Orientation Sessions

The PDA offers Postdoc Orientation Sessions open to all postdocs at MIT.

Topics covered include:

● Data on postdoc population at MIT

● MIT oversight of postdocs

● Defining postdoc expectations

● Differences between fellows and associates

● PDA structure and initiatives

● How to get involved

You may register for a session via Atlas or here<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>

 [cid:part16.47E0EF70.9583D953 at mit.edu]                  [cid:part17.8EA6C1FE.D898B3BD at mit.edu]

MIT-PDA NEWS AND EVENTS

Election Results for MIT-PDA Corresponding Secretary, Orientation Committee Chair & Professional Development Committee Co-Chair

Congratulations to the new elected officers of the MIT-PDA!

The new Orientation Committee Chair is Daniel Yim. David Collins in the new Professional Development Committee Co-Chair. Corresponding Secretary is Sarah Khanniche.

Treat yourself with an early Christmas present and get your own MIT-PDA T-shirt!!

You can order your MIT PDA T-shirt here<https://mit.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=739&cid=60&p=1> for $10 until December 20th and pick it up at one of our upcoming monthly meetings. The precise time and location will be provided by email after the order deadline.

 [cid:part18.36A49A5D.CB1719F1 at mit.edu]

Cost: $10

Pick-up: PDA General Meeting

Questions: Please email Sabrina Huber (smhuber at mit.edu<mailto:smhuber at mit.edu>)

Celebrating Cultures at MIT

Hosted by MIT-PDA Community Building Committee

Join us for a potluck dinner to celebrate the diverse cultures in our postdoctoral community!

This event is open to all MIT postdocs and their family and friends.

[cid:part19.F7A0F604.5BC4EC28 at mit.edu]

For a potluck in the US, participants traditionally prepare homemade dishes. For our event, you can bring a homemade creation or a store-bought dish. Share a delicious dish from home or from a culture you want to celebrate with everyone! Dishes can be an appetizer, snack, main dish, side dish, soup, dessert, or beverage. They can be meat-based, vegetarian, or vegan. Each dish should have enough portions to share for 5-6 people. The MIT-PDA will provide serving utensils, plates, bowls, cups, and napkins. Also rice, bread, and some dessert items to help get the meals started. We will also have some non-alcoholic drinks. Please RSVP your attendance, the number of guests you will likely bring, and indicate the dish(es) you plan on contributing to the potluck. We would also like to play festive music from different cultures and would like to include your suggestions for songs to share during the potluck!

Registration

RSVP for the event by clicking here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScJuBtwy3XZLWf_CokThripd_Rkbo1zMgo373DCarka7YRfFA/viewform>

Questions Please email pda-community at mit.edu<https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=sPG-OFYAP0yUp6GsJPDUnRUV8LuW6dxzdVNaXSocRItpJrRaxi3VCA..&URL=mailto%3apda-community%40mit.edu>

Postdoc Sport Events

Hosted by MIT-PDA Sports Committee

Join us for indoor volleyball and soccer! Never played before? Don’t worry! All abilities are welcome. Spouses and significant others of postdocs are welcome free of charge! Friends and colleagues may join only if they have an athletics membership (otherwise you may need to pay a 1time entrance fee that is around $15).

 [cid:part22.EF973F18.C03DD041 at mit.edu]     [cid:part23.FBF26A92.CF42A726 at mit.edu]

Beginner? Show up early to learn how to play and improve skills.

Direction: The courts are located in the Zesiger center. Enter through the Vassar street entrance and the attendees at the gate should let you through if you say you are with the PDA and present MIT ID.

Facility: There are bathrooms in the facility where you can change or come with someone with a membership who can give you access to the locker rooms.

Please also add yourself to our <https://owa.exchange.mit.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=Qkv0ifSBqOgPtVWIvBxiSSNdQo2AgapZ97XbeAkf-2qtPAWSby3VCA..&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.facebook.com%2fgroups%2f1499342643696472%2f> sports Facebook group<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1499342643696472/> for more information!

PDA and Strategic Games Society (SGS) Partnership

Hosted by MIT-PDA Community Building Committee

Weekly board games hosted by MIT-SGS. MIT-postdocs, Join for free!

Open to non-MIT friends for a small fee of $5 per year

Gaming sessions typically go until around 12-2 AM.

For more information about the board game branch of SGS, contact the officers<mailto:sgs-officers at mit.edu>

[cid:part28.8B8F2F77.07E1D1DF at mit.edu]

GLIMPSE (PDA PInG Initiative)

Hosted by Alex Albanese

GLIMPSE is a show where we take our mobile recording studio across MIT campus and talk with researchers about their journey, research and outlook.

If you would like to be interviewed by GLIMPSE podcast or would like to help with the podcast (music, logo, artwork), please contact us at glimpse.podcast at gmail.com<mailto:glimpse.podcast at gmail.com>. For more information, please visit us at: http://glimpse.mit.edu/

MIT EVENTS

FREE Mindfulness and Meditation Classes: Find Some Om Under the Dome

Offered by MIT Libraries

Please join us for silent meditation in the Barker reading room every Monday  at noon. Sit for a minute, or 30. Beginners welcome - no experience necessary. Please arrive promptly. Registration is required.

Date and Time: Monday, November 20, @ 12:00 pm

Location: Barker Dome of Barker Engineering Library (10-500)

F*Up Night Speaker Series

Hosted by the MIT European Club

FUN is a speaker (3-6) series, to humorously tell an audience stories about their professional/personal failure. FUNs are part of a global movement (80 countries, 252 cities) to promote the liberating experience of sharing such stories. The stories of the business that crashes and burns, the partnership deal that goes sour, the product that has to be recalled, FUN tell them all.

Date and Time: Monday, November 20, 2017 @ 7:00-8:30 pm

Location: MIT museum, Robot Gallery, 265 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139

Student Loan Repayment Strategies

Hosted by MIT Work-Life Center

Student loan debt has an overwhelming impact on the lives of graduates and parents alike. This workshop will examine ways in which graduates and parents can manage education debt and guide borrowers’ successful transition from college to repayment. Attendees will learn:

▪ How to identify repayment responsibilities for each loan

▪ Methods for reducing monthly payments

▪ Strategies for identifying cash flow that can be used to prepay education debt

▪ Ways to avoid becoming delinquent and defaulting on education debt, even during times of personal economic hardship

▪ The best resources for managing and maintaining a repayment strategy

Date and Time: Tuesday, November 28, 2017 @ 12:00-1:30 pm

Location: Building 76, 76-156

Registration: required on https://www.eventbrite.com/e/student-loan-repayment-strategies-registration-36734432677

Making the Most of Your Postdoc - Pratical Advice and Lessons Learned

Hosted by the MIT Office of the Vice President for Research, MIT

A postdoc is a truly precious time in a researcher’s career. The ultimate goal of a postdoc is to develop additional skills needed for the next phase of one’s chosen career. How does one make the most of his or her limited time as a postdoc? In this panel, seasoned postdocs and junior faculty will discuss what steps they took during their postdoc that proved successful, and reflect on what they wished they had done (or started to do) earlier. Additionally, they will discuss what skills and training have provided the greatest advancement in their careers. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice from the panel. Whether you are just starting your postdoc, a graduate student preparing for a future postdoc, or even a seasoned postdoc, the advice from this inspiring set of panelists will give you unique perspectives into how to make the most of your postdoc experience.

Moderator – Dr. Madeline Oudin (Research Scientist at Koch Institute and future Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University) Panelists – Dr. Ritu Raman (Postdoctoral Associate at the Koch Institute), Dr. Sebastian Pattinson (Postdoctoral Fellow in Mechanical Engineering), Dr. Canan Dagdeviren (Assistant Professor in Media Arts and Sciences and Director of the Conformable Decoders group in the MIT Media Lab)

Date and Time: Friday, December 1, 2017 @ 3:00-4:30 pm

Location: 46-3002, Singleton Auditorium

Registration: Please register at  https://goo.gl/forms/QuyemXICTPeYrZ5O2

Jorge Cham from PhD Comics: Communicating Your Research

Sponsored by the MIT Graduate Student Council (GSC), Global Education & Career Development Career Services (GECD), and Office of the Vice President for Research

Jorge Cham will relay his experiences creating successful science communication projects (videos that have been viewed by millions of people and a book release from Penguin Random House). He will convey how he communicates his passion for engaging with the public and exploring the unknown. Jorge holds a Ph.D. in Robotics from Stanford University and is the creator of Piled Higher and Deeper (PHD Comics), the popular comic strip about life (or the lack thereof) in Academia. Often called the "Dilbert of academia,” PHD Comics appears online where it is read by over 6 million visitors a year from over 1000 universities worldwide.

Date and Time: Tuesday, December 5, 2017 @ 5:00-6.00 pm

Location: Building 34, 34-101

Registration: Pre-registration is requested (but not required) via

 https://candidate.gradleaders.com/MITGECD/Candidates/Login.aspx?pid=3624&workshopID=56379

Insights into Management: Career development workshops

Offered by MIT HR

Have you ever thought about becoming a manager? Making a smooth transition from individual contributor to management is critical to your new role. This workshop will provide participants with some perspectives on management and an understanding of what is involved in the transition from an individual contributor to a manager. Whether you are new to the role or are thinking about moving into management this workshop will provide you with tips on hitting the ground running, and identifying development needs.

Objectives for overall program

▪ Learn what it means to be a manager.

▪ Review the MIT manager/leadership competencies.

▪ Gain an awareness of the multiple complexities of the management role.

▪ Review the use of effective interpersonal communication skills in management situations.

▪ Gain/increase awareness of personal readiness for management.

▪ Develop an action plan to prepare yourself for the next steps of transitioning from individual contributor to a management role.

Dates: December 5-6, 2017

Location: NE49

Registration: See details at Insights Into Management<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT20092c>

CHECK OUT THESE SITES FOR ADDITIONAL EVENTS
postdocs.mit.edu<http://postdocs.mit.edu/> (OfficeVPR)
MIT  GECD Events<https://gecd.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT  Spouses&Partners Events<http://spouses.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT  Events<http://events.mit.edu/> Boston PDA Events<http://bostonpostdocs.org/events-calendar/>
Mass-AWIS  Events<http://www.massawis.org/events/category/mass-awis-events/list/>

MIT RESOURCES FOR POSTDOCS

New Atlas Course on Responsible Waste Disposal Practices

Curious what to do with old packing peanuts, used light bulbs, oily pizza boxes, batteries, and more? Take this new 10-minute course on the Atlas Learning Center to learn how to sort most items you would want to dispose of while at MIT. Own your actions and become a recycling expert today! Developed by the GSC Sustainability Subcommittee and IS&T, with support from the Office of Sustainability, Department of Facilities, and the Environmental Solutions Initiative.

URL https://www.goo.gl/DxJns9
Contact recycling-course at mit.edu

Career Counseling Services for Postdocs

In Collaboration with the Office of the Vice President for Research, the GECD provides career guidance and strategies for both industry and academic tracks. You can discuss your career plans or concerns and receive support on developing your Resume, CV, Research and Teaching Statements, Cover Letters, and LinkedIn profile. 45 minute individual sessions are available and tailored to your needs. You can also conduct a mock interview to help strengthen your interview skills including the delivery of your presentation. Schedule appointments online using the CareerBridge system https://gecd.mit.edu/explore-careers/services-alumni-and-postdocs#postdoc-appt or by phone at 617-715-5329.  Appointments are held in E25-143G.

MyLife Services

MyLife Services<http://o6os.mj.am/link/o6os/xlkt8jnnqpg8/1/-kBne3WjUT8Ww6LEA98gxw/aHR0cDovL2hyd2ViLm1pdC5lZHUvd29ya2xpZmUvbWl0bXlsaWZlc2VydmljZXM> is a free, confidential, 24/7 counseling, consultation, and work-life referral service provided by KGA, Inc., a trusted external provider of employee assistance programs. Postdoc Associates and Fellows are eligible for services provided by KGA, Inc. through the MIT Work-Life Center and MyLife Services. You can now access a network of experts who can help with the challenges of life and work, such as:

•         Financial planning, debt management, and legal issues

•         Personal and work relationships

•         Sleep and nutrition

•         Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional concerns

•         Child and elder care

This includes some FREE confidential mental health counseling sessions, as well as access to 24/7 confidential counseling services. We encourage you to learn more about the program<http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/mitmylifeservices> (including frequently asked questions), and to call MyLife Services directly at 1-844- 405-LIFE (1-844- 405-5433).

FREE Mindfulness and Meditation Classes from MIT Medical

Find Some Om Under the Dome

MIT Libraries is offering drop-in meditation and relaxation sessions. Please join us for silent meditation in the Barker reading room. Sit for a minute, or 30. Beginners welcome - no experience necessary. Every Monday at noon in the Barker Dome of Barker Engineering Library (10-500). Please arrive promptly. Registration is required<https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/mindfulness-meditation>.

Meditation for your Wellbeing

Community Wellness at MIT Medical offers drop-in meditation and relaxation sessions. Sit back and relax - no experience necessary. Please arrive promptly. A short talk and guided meditation begins at 12:10 pm. This class is held every 2nd Wednesday of the month, 12:10 pm-12:40 pm. Led by Seth Monk. Registration is required<https://medical.mit.edu/community/wellness/classes/mindfulness-meditation>.

MIT Writing & Communication Center

The Center provides free professional advice about all types of writing and speaking/oral presentations, including specialized help for non-native English speakers. See their website for more details: http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/

MIT Spouses & Partners Connect

Offers social and career-related groups and events for your spouse/partner/family. For more information and event listings, visit http://spouses.mit.edu/.

MIT Employee Resource Groups

Join an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at MIT!

ERGs are employee-led groups formed around common interests, issues and/or a common bond or background. ERGs host activities such as lectures, socials, dinners, etc. Both Postdoctoral Fellows and Associates are invited to join. Current ERGs include:

•         African, Black, American, Caribbean @MIT (ABAC at MIT) ERG

•         Asian Pacific American ERG

•         Latino ERG,

•         Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) ERG

•         Millennials ERG

•         Women in IT ERG

Check out the link for more information and upcoming events:

http://hrweb.mit.edu/diversity/ergs/current

MBTA Access

As a reminder, all postdoctoral fellows and postdoctoral associates on MIT’s Cambridge campus are eligible for free, unrestricted subway and local bus access. MIT provides this benefit through a special MBTA* chip embedded in the MIT ID card. (*Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority). Check the back of your ID card. If “Charlie INSIDE!” is written on it, you are all set. Questions? Visit the Atlas Service Center (E17-106).

Free Membership for the National Postdoctoral Association

MIT is a Sustaining Member of the NPA, which means you can become an affiliate member for free. This will help you network with other postdocs across the country and gain access to members only resources that can help further your career. To join, click on this Affiliate Memberships direct link for MIT<https://npamembers.site-ym.com/general/register_member_type.asp?regkey=B87D7B9B-5C95-48F6-9ECA-A5014531B05D> and follow the registration process, using your MIT email address. Once you click “submit,” the NPA will review your request and confirm your membership by email about a week later

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